Durham Police now say Dominic Cummings' family given 'no specific advice' about lockdown

Durham Police have issued a fresh statement as the Dominic Cummings controversy continues to escalate.

In a fresh statement this afternoon, the force said: “We can confirm that on April 1, an officer from Durham Constabulary spoke to the father of Dominic Cummings.

"Mr Cummings confirmed that his son, his son’s wife and child were present at the property. He told the officer that his son and son’s wife were displaying symptoms of coronavirus and were self-isolating in part of the property.

“We can further confirm that our officer gave no specific advice on coronavirus to any members of the family and that Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required in that regard.

“Our officer did, however, provide the family with advice on security issues.”

The Mirror and Guardian revealed on Friday that officers "made contact with the owners of that address" where Mr Cummings was staying.

The force said at the time : "Officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel."

Doctors, scientists, police officers, bishops and politicians are among those calling for "arrogant" Cummings to quit.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his most powerful aide, who helped him to power, saying yesterday that he had acted "responsibly and legally and with integrity".

After "extensive" face-to-face talks, the PM last night made a desperate attempt to save the Brexiteer svengali - who led the Vote Leave campaign and coined the phrase "take back control".

But Stephen Reicher, a scientific advisor to the government, warned people would stop following advice because "government is looking after themselves in a way they’re not looking after us".